Every con is a melting pot of personalities, but some characters are as inevitable as Thanos. Let’s break down the five archetypes you’ll find at every convention—are you the Overenthusiastic Cosplayer, or perhaps the Booth Lurker?
Every convention is like a living, breathing organism, pulsating with energy, creativity, and a delightful mix of personalities. Whether you’re at Comic-Con, FanExpo, or your local anime convention, you’ll quickly notice that certain types of attendees are as inevitable as Thanos himself. You might even find yourself wondering, “Which one am I?” So, let’s break down the five archetypes you’ll always find at cons—because let’s face it, you’re bound to run into one (or be one).
1. The Overenthusiastic Cosplayer
You know the type—painted from head to toe, wielding a hand-crafted weapon that probably took months to create, and striking a pose every time a camera is near. The Overenthusiastic Cosplayer is the beating heart of any con. Their passion for their character is so intense that you half-expect them to start reciting lines from the show or movie on the spot. They’re the reason why cosplay competitions exist and why the rest of us mere mortals are left in awe. If you find yourself in this category, own it! You’re the hero we all secretly wish we could be, and you make the con experience that much more magical.
2. The Booth Lurker
Next up is the Booth Lurker, a con staple that adds a bit of mystery to the mix. This archetype can be found hovering around the artist alley or the merch booths, eyeing that limited edition figure or print but never quite pulling the trigger. They might strike up a conversation with the artist, ask a few questions, but will leave with only a business card—or nothing at all. Booth Lurkers are the con’s silent observers, soaking up the atmosphere and appreciating the art without the need to make a purchase. If you’re a Booth Lurker, know that your presence is still felt and appreciated, even if you leave the con with just memories!
3. The Panel Pro
The Panel Pro is the con-goer who knows the schedule better than the back of their hand. They’ve meticulously planned their day, from the opening keynote to the last Q&A session, ensuring they don’t miss a single moment of geeky wisdom. You’ll spot them in line an hour early, armed with snacks, a portable charger, and a laser focus on their favourite panels. For the Panel Pro, conventions are less about the merch and more about the knowledge—whether it’s insider info on an upcoming movie, tips from a favorite artist, or just soaking in the fandom vibes from like-minded individuals. If you’re the Panel Pro, we salute your dedication!
4. The Social Butterfly
The Social Butterfly flits from group to group, spreading joy, laughter, and Instagram handles wherever they go. For them, a convention is one giant networking event—a chance to meet new friends, reconnect with old ones, and maybe even score a selfie with a celebrity. You’ll find them chatting in the lobby, joining impromptu photo shoots, and generally making the con a brighter place. They might not attend every panel or buy tons of merch, but they leave with something even more valuable—new connections and memories. If you’re a Social Butterfly, keep spreading those good vibes; you’re the glue that holds the con community together.
5. The Dealer Room Hoarder
Last but certainly not least is the Dealer Room Hoarder, the person who arrives with an empty suitcase and leaves with it bursting at the seams. For them, the con is all about the haul—whether it’s rare collectibles, exclusive prints, or enough fandom t-shirts to last a lifetime. You’ll see them haggling with vendors, making multiple trips to the ATM, and carefully packing their treasures to avoid damage. The Dealer Room Hoarder might spend more time in the dealer room than anywhere else! If you’re in this camp, I get it—there’s nothing quite like the thrill of bringing home that perfect con souvenir! We've all been there.
So, Which Archetype Are You?
Now that we’ve laid out the five archetypes, it’s time for some self-reflection. Maybe you’re a combination of two or more, or maybe you’ve evolved from one into another over the years. Whatever the case, one thing’s for sure: conventions wouldn’t be the same without this colourful cast of characters!
In the end, these archetypes are what make conventions so special. Whether you’re there to show off your cosplay skills, soak up all the fandom knowledge, or simply enjoy the company of fellow geeks, remember—you’re part of something bigger, a community that thrives on diversity, passion, and a shared love of all things geeky. So, wear your archetype like a badge of honour and get ready for the next con adventure!
Thanks for reading,
